Effect of platelet activating factor on endothelial permeability to plasma macromolecules

We have examined the effect of intrajugular administration of platelet activating factor (PAF-C16) on vascular permeability in the guinea pig. To examine the loss of selective endothelial permeability, the extravasative effect of PAF was assessed by monitoring hemoconcentration and the plasma loss of 125I-albumin (6.7 nm), 125I-low density lipoproteins (22.0 nm) or 125I-very low density lipoproteins (62.1 nm). Extravasation was dose-dependent and began 1 min after PAF administration, continuing for 5–7 min. During extravasation, there was no evidence for selective plasma retention of any of the labeled plasma tracers, as measured by plasma radioactivity. These results suggest that PAF-induced extravasation is dose-dependent, with increases in vascular permeability sufficient to permit similar plasma efflux rates of albumin, low density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins.